January 12th, 2018

Balenciaga:

Shaping Fashion

January 12th, 2018

Balenciaga:

Shaping Fashion

January 12th, 2018

the exhibition

One of the best places to find fashion exhibitions is the Victoria and Albert museum in London. I finally went to see what the fuss was about for their latest fashion exhibition titled Balenciaga: Shaping fashion. Perhaps one of the most famous fashion designers of the last century, Spanish couturier Cristóbal Balenciaga has had a huge influence on designers since his time and has shaped the state of modern fashion. The exhibition is spread across two floors: the ground floor being dedicated to his works and creative and technical process, and the first floor containing works by other designers who have been heavily influenced by Balenciaga.

Dresses: both Balenciaga

Left: Indian inspired dresses

Above: Indian inspired dresses

Left: Balenciaga, Right: Gareth Pugh

Above: Gareth Pugh

What was truly fascinating about the exhibition, beyond seeing the garments themselves, was the taking a glimpse into Balenciaga’s process – his sketches and design notes, details about the innovations he made (which weren’t always accepted at first), and the deconstruction of the garments including x-rays and videos showing how the garments were structured.

Balenciaga: Shaping fashion is on until February 18th. If you get the chance, I highly recommend paying it a visit, as well as the rest of the museum. Let me know your thoughts if you do visit!